Troy Gentry’s Best On-Camera Moments Reveal His True Character [Watch]

When Troy Gentry of Montgomery Gentry was being interviewed, the conversation almost always went in one direction. A highlight reel of his best on-camera moments show country music wasn't his only passion. It may not have even been his first.

Again and again, Gentry steered the conversation toward ways he and Eddie Montgomery's music and success could help others. At times it was easy. During the inaugural Taste of Country Music Festival, the duo had prepped a Celebrate American Heroes campaign.

"There are so many more heroes that go without being thanked," he says. "The firefighters, the policeman. It could be a mom it could be a dad, it could be a teacher. And Eddie and I wanted to celebrate them as well."

Troy Gentry, Remembered Through His Best Photos

Sometimes it was more subtle. At the 2014 CMA Awards Gentry showed up for a round of radio interviews with a thick beard. He would be shaving it soon, he'd say. But for now, he was repping the facial hair in support of No Shave November, a fundraiser for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. At that time his wife Angie was battling cancer, and even when asked how she was doing he didn't want to talk about his family's struggle as much as he did how much he appreciated the support and how others could avoid being in his shoes.

"It's devastating to hear the word cancer," Gentry said. "Having the support of people that have defeated cancer is great to have in your corner." Eddie Montgomery had defeated cancer several years earlier.

Sure, during each of these full interviews Montgomery Gentry talked about new music and touring plans. They also talked about Kentucky football and basketball, so we included one outtake at the end that shows just how much they cared. But every time there was some sincere message or action for others in need.

Gentry will be remembered during a celebration of life at the Grand Ole Opry on Sept. 14. He died on Sept. 8 when a helicopter he was riding in apparently suffered mechanical problems and crashed just off an airstrip in Medford, N.J. The 50-year-old leaves behind a wife and two daughters, plus a large following in country music.